JOB OVERVIEW
Assist medical staff with routine tasks, such as moving patients between wards etc. A hospital porter has to make sure that patient's, equipment and records are in the right place at the right time. They help patients get from place to place. They use wheelchairs and trolleys to move patients who cannot walk to their X-rays or to have tests performed. The duties of a porter depend on the hospitals needs. In general, as a porter you will be required to move patients around the hospital from ward to ward, or to and from various departments. This might be done with the patient on a stretcher, a trolley, or in a wheelchair. You will also be required to help or transfer patients to and from trolleys and beds, using equipment that minimize lifting. Other duties may include transportation and delivery of equipment, blood samples and medical records, as well as moving and fitting medical gas cylinders. Other tasks include sorting and handing out laundry, helping nurses with linen and bedclothes, tidying up, removing rubbish and clinical waste, cleaning trolleys, delivering mail and running general errands.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Deal with customer/staff/patient queries in a courteous, effective and efficient manner.
- Collect & dispose of hospital refuse, clinical waste & laundry in line with Hospital policy.
- Collection\Transportation of X-rays, reports, medical records, specimens etc. as required
- Collection/transportation of supplies/equipment within the Hospital.
- Assembly/dismantling of supplies/equipment within the Hospital as specified by the General Services Officer and within the technical competence of the porter grade.
- Assist in the lifting, mobilising, and transportation of patients as per Hospital policy and health and safety guidelines.
- Changing and movement of oxygen and other gas cylinders.
- Carry out cleaning duties in designated areas as required in accordance with infection control and health and safety guidelines.
- Telephone, Reception, & Switchboard duties as required.
- Prepare Laboratory orders & highlight low stock items to office staff. Carry cordless phone or bleep as required.
- Maintain stock levels as required.
- Grounds maintenance duties on Bank Holidays or Weekends as required.
- Locking and unlocking of doors as required.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Take direction and guidance from General Services Officer /Relevant Department Head in relation to duties.
- Report for duty on time and at the designated place of duty as prescribed.
- Perform duties efficiently, effectively, and economically in line with best practice and/or as directed by Management in the provision of quality service at all times and be flexible in the performance of such duties.
- Strictly adhere to operational policies and procedures specific to the designated area of duty Maintain confidentiality of all matters pertaining to the Hospital, staff, and patients.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE AT WORK
- Be familiar with and comply with Health & Safety policies, procedures and standards.
- Adhere to Hospital infection control policy and be aware of and exercise best practice in relation to personal hygiene.
- Adhere to the prescribed dress code and to wear any personal protective equipment provided including protective clothing and protective footwear.
- Use any safety equipment provided.
- Take all the necessary steps to ensure the maximum security and safety of the working area and all equipment and supplies contained therein.
- Identify hazards, assess risks and report same as per hospital policy to relevant personnel, and in accordance with individual responsibilities under all Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Participate in training courses as specified by the HSE and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of technology, communications and health care regulations.
BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES
- Working in a dynamic, friendly working environment
- Gaining a profound learning experience in a multitude of rehabilitation cases in clinical setting.
- A focused collaboration with the MDT
- Post Graduate Education and Continuous Professional Development Support
- Occupational Health Service
- Staff Support and Counselling Service
